Jan Pozzi

Monday

Oct 5, 2009 at 12:01 AMOct 5, 2009 at 4:01 AM

Jan Pozzi, 59, is a Rockford artist who works part time at Cain & Co., a Rockford advertising and marketing agency.

Cathy Bayer

Who is she? Jan Pozzi, 59, is a Rockford artist who works part time at Cain & Co., a Rockford advertising and marketing agency. She was born and raised in Rockford, and has been married to Ron for 37 years. Their son, Todd, 25, just received his master’s degree. She also has two sisters, one of whom is her twin.

How did you get involved in your career? I have painted for many years and am always working on some sort of project. I started doing wall murals about 15 years ago, and I really enjoy the challenge. I recently painted a mural for a conference room at a local business. Most of my work is sold from my home studio, and I am happy to take commissions for portraits, landscapes and still-life art.

Do you belong to any clubs or groups? I have belonged to the Rockford Woman’s Club for many years. We are having a fundraiser for our philanthropic. Author Joan Wester Anderson will be speaking about angels at a luncheon Nov. 12 at Forest Hills Country Club. I designed the artwork, and Dawn at Cain & Co. did the finished layout. It is being printed by Rockford Litho.

For fun: My husband and I love to go to Chicago with our friends to plays, galleries, shopping and great restaurants.I also love to garden and cook.

Favorite place in the Rock River Valley: I love to go out in the country and take photos of our beautiful landscapes. My husband and I travel often to Lake Geneva and take photos on the way. I also love Josef’s and Garrett’s restaurants.

What’s the desktop photo on your computer? An oil painting I just finished of a garden at Klehm Arboretum.

Best advice you have received: You can never have too many friends, cherish them. Always smile, keep your head up and shoulders back, and for heaven’s sake stand up straight.

Last good book you’ve read or movie you’ve seen: I have to say the whole “Twilight” series and movie has me hooked. I wish there were 50 more books to read. I’m not even a vampire fan.

What’s the best thing you ever did? Having my son, Todd, has to be the best of anything I can imagine. I am so proud of him.

Who is your hero? My parents are my heroes. My sisters and I had a wonderful childhood. My dad was a very busy businessman, but he took us on many wonderful vacations. I just helped him with a book that he wrote, “Violation of Trust,” and really enjoyed reading it as I typed. I love to hear about his old adventures. My mom is a beautiful, talented woman who is also one of my best friends. She is always there for us.

What did you want to be when you grew up? A fashion designer or interior decorator. I used to draw models with interesting clothes in my sketch book.

Your biggest challenge: The health of my husband, mother and other family members and friends has been a challenge. I hate to see anyone suffer.

First job: Working after school at the Rockford Chamber of Commerce. I typed envelopes for a program called Crime Stoppers. I worked from 3:30 to 5 p.m. and typed “Rockford, Illinois” so many times the keys stuck together.

Something the Rock River Valley needs: Rockford needs more industry with better-paying jobs so our young people will want to stay here.

Compiled by Cathy Bayer. Have a suggestion for a Get to Know Me? A story idea about education in Rockford? Call 815-987-1395 or e-mail cbayer@rrstar.com.

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